West Ham United, Ready To Launch Hammers For A Top Place Finish

Written By Albert Echatah

Can Julen Lopetegui’s team be considered outsiders for a sensational top-four finish in the Premier League this season?

West Ham have finally assembled a balanced team in terms of quality, experience, youthfulness, rigidity, physicality and flamboyance ahead of the 2024/25 season. Julen Lopetegui, who has previously coached the likes of Sevilla, Real Madrid, Porto, Wolves and short stint with the Spanish national team is saddled with the responsibility of achieving a great season.

So far, their summer signings are B+ in terms of overall quality and experience: Crysencio Summerville was brought in to run full-backs ragged. The Dutchman is known for his blistering pace on the flanks. Summerville was Leeds United’s most important player last season, scoring 20 goals and providing 9 assists.

Jean-Clair Todibo was signed solely to bolster West Ham’s fragile defense. The Hammers recognized the need for defensive reinforcement after conceding 74 goals in the premier league last season. The London-based club showed their determination on the transfer front by defeating a host of European heavyweights to secure the services of the highly rated defender.

Since then, The Londoners have also signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United. The 26-year-old is known for his defensive tenacity, particularly when it comes to shutting down pacy wingers. Niclas Fullkrug, was signed from Borussia Dortmund after making a strong impression for Germany at Euro 2024, the 31-year-old is undoubtedly a quality addition to the inconsistent attacking department.

Another notable addition is Guido Rodriguez, the Argentine midfielder joined on a free transfer. Rodriguez’s primary job is to protect the backline and occasionally drop back as the third centre back when his team is in transition. The likes of Max Kilman, Luis Guilherme, and Wes Foderingham are also significant signings.

So far, West Ham have managed to keep the integral members of the team such as Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqueta. The quartet’s synergy on the pitch will only get better, forming a formidable core at the London Stadium for the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, Julen Lopetegui has proven to be an excellent tactician, capable of deploying different tactics to combat any adversity on the pitch.

The Spaniard’s ability to get the best from his players speaks volume of his coaching skill, which will be critical to West Ham’s success on the long run. The Spaniard’s man management expertise and tactical awareness will be important as he attempts to build on their recent UEFA Conference League success.

Obviously, the Premier League is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency is essential, and injuries can derail even the best-laid plans. However, West Ham seem to have acquired the required ingredients for long-term success.

With a combination of youth and experience, West Ham United have the potential to surprise football fans and pundits and establish themselves as legitimate contenders for European qualification.

This season, they will not be distracted by any European competition. This could finally be their opportunity to properly establish themselves as a force to reckon with in the premier league. Underestimate Julen Lopetegui’s men at your own risk.

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